Women’s institute meetings resume for the new session

Arran Federation SWI

Kildonan Women’s Institute hosted the first federation meeting of the new session with Anne Pringle, president, in the chair. Each institute was represented and a busy meeting followed. All points raised regarding show, centenary celebrations, federation badges and finance will be reported back to the institutes by their representatives and suggestions/opinions regarding any of these things will be sought prior to the next meeting.

Congratulations were offered to Jerry Arthur, Morag Gardner, Elizabeth Kelso and Ellie Jones who qualified to represent the federation at the golf competition held recently at Fortrose and Rosemarkie.

The Ayrshire federation emerged the winners this year but Arran were very ably represented. On a local level, congratulations were given to Morag Gardner who won the 12-hole SWI competition at Corrie.

Those present were delighted when Nancy Bremner of the Kildonan institute agreed to shadow Mari this coming session and take over the post of federation secretary in session 2017/18.

After Nancy’s very successful convening of this year’s show the institutes know they are in very capable hands. Members regard Nancy as a very skilled knitter but the delicious baking she provided for the afternoon tea showed that is only one of her many talents.

Finally the next full meeting of the federation will be held at Shiskine Church Hall at 2pm on Thursday December 1, with a mini meeting for show representatives only to be held in Corrie Hall at 2pm on Thursday October 6.

Janet Mair

Lamlash SWI

You know the summer is over when the SWI restarts its monthly meetings. The Lamlash institute members have already held their first one.

The president warmly welcomed former and new members. Sadly, as a sign that it is still holiday season many apologies were received from those unable to attend that night. As it was the first business meeting for some time there was a lot to discuss plus the show report and information from two federation meetings to consider. SWI diaries and the latest magazine were distributed. On reading the magazine at home that night it was spotted that the centenary exhibition in Stirling in May that we anticipated attending would not go ahead as planned due to the local authority having to cancel the booking in favour of use as a local election counting centre.

The show cups now suitably engraved were presented and then Jean’s game followed. It caused much hilarity and guess work often wildly wrong apart from the identity of the person who didn’t bake but liked gin! Supper was a vast array of magnificent puddings which the members all did full justice to.

By the October meeting please have given some thought to classes/themes for next year’s show and some ideas for an alternative to the Stirling trip. It is hoped to have a full turnout of institute members then. New members always welcome. Janet Mair

Kilmory SWI

Kilmory SWI is holding an open night at Kilmory village hall on Monday September 26 at 7.30pm. This will be a demonstration and training night in the use of defibrillator machines and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This is a vital skill that could save a life. Kilmory hall has a public access defibrillator and everyone should have the confidence to use it.